XVI

The challenge for the Luna Queen position would take place the next full moon, which was in a week. Until then, Selene planned to train a little bit more with the warriors. Them being wolves, it was a little bit different from her training with Soren. Their speed and agility was more developed than that of a human, and her physical strength didn't even come close to theirs. However, she knew she was smarter than most and her will to fight for Maximus would give her power.

Her days were spent taking strolls around the pack, talking with its members, getting to know them. She has never talked so much, given that she only had one companion in the past. Selene found out that all of Ironblood wolves were very happy with her arrival, waiting for a long time for the mate of the king. It seemed none of her fellow pack members would pose any threat to her. They lived in peace and respected the matebond.

On the other hand, she could hear the whispers between Troy and Gen. They didn't notice her in the room, being as silent as she is. She could see they were worried, but didn't understand the reason. They saw she was very good at combat and moved fluidly. It turned out that one she-wolf from the south lands was targeting the Queen position, and she was merciless. Being from the second most strongest pack in Erebus, Kassandra, that's what Selene heard her name to be, was the gamma of the pack. For a woman to become gamma was very rare. It was not about gender, but about strength. Usually, females were, due to their smaller form, weaker in power than males. But this woman was cunning, fighting dirty.

Maximus kept reassuring her there was no need to worry, that the other packs, when they heard Selene was human, laughed and said the position would be an easy win. Because of this, they would be unprepared and would not expect her coming. Selene could see he was a bit scared himself, but appreciated his words, thinking they were on some level an assurance for Maximus too.

Selene's and Maximus's relation has been growing. Everyone could see they had a deep love for one another. They would throw glances at each other, both thinking they would rather spend time together than anything else. But their duties came first. Selene adapted well to the change, her Luna instincts kicking in. Being as kind as she is, people looked up to her, asked her for advice. But Selene's favourite place was among the children. She found them innocent and pure, only seeing the good in the world. They reminded her of her childhood period, when she was as naive as them, not a care in the world. The children would scream and run to her, holding her in a circle until she would agree to play with them or tell them a story. Selene would recount her years in the forest, how she managed the rogues. Of course, leaving aside the killing part.

Her relationship with Ben and Genevieve was growing too. She has never had a girlfriend before, and it was nice talking to her. Ben, on the other hand, was more of the quiet type, always working, but he wouldn't hold back from talking with her whenever they met during the day. A more special bond, was with Troy. After the connection she made between them, he would always make sure she was good, following her around when he wasn't busy. She didn't mind his presence at all. They got along very well and she felt like she could tell him anything.

As she was going to bed, late at night, she heard movement coming from Maximus's office. So late? Her mate did work a lot, but this late at night, they would always cuddle together in bed and talk about their day. But for the last couple of days, she noticed Maximus was more troubled. Something was getting to him.

She opened the door and smiled softly at him. He raised his head, tired eyes falling on her. He was very happy every time he saw her.

„Come, moon." Selene went to him and sat in his lap, hugging him, with her nose in the crook of his neck. She would never get tired of his scent and warmth. It made her feel whole. He sighted.

„What is it Maximus? Something is bothering you." He looked at her.

„There have been some problems in the western packs. Wolves are going missing. Ben and I have been trying to find a pattern to it. Eventually, I had to send him there, talk with the Alphas. He left this morning."

„How many?"

„There are a total of 11, from 3 different packs. Both females and males. Different ages. There is no connection between them. They are not related. But all are of higher status. Either warriors or mates of them. Whoever is doing this is targeting the most strong wolves."

„How did they manage to snuck into the territory?"

„That's the problem. We can't figure it out. They all happened during the day and no one noticed anything out of the ordinary. But to every location of the dissapearance, a message was left."

„What message?" Maximus took a moment to look at her. He seemed concerned to tell her.

„A crescent moon." Selene was quiet. „Like you mark." He moved the fabric of her dress off her shoulder. „It looks identical to yours"

„Maximus" She began. „A crescent moon can mean anything. It is the sign of the goddess. It doesn't mean it has anything to do with me." He contemplated for a minute.

„It's not just that. The sign is carved in the ground. Ben and I initially didn't see it, but the thought of your tattoo couldn't leave my mind. We think...it's about your powers. It looks like they are saying that where you bring life out of the ground, they bring death." He saw her beginning to worry.

„But how would they know? Only the members of our pack saw me use my power. All the other packs think I'm just a human, they don't even know how I look like!" There was a long pause coming from him.

„Ben and I think there is a mole. Several actually."

„Traitors?"

„Yes."

„I still don't understand. If there are moles in the packs, wouldn't people still notice something is wrong? I mean they would have to knock them uncouncious and drag them outside the border. Someone would notice." Maximus kept looking at her, knowing she will figure it out. Selene's eyes went wide.

„Except...if the traitors are of high rank." He nodded.

„We think it's either the gammas or the betas. They have the trust of the pack. No one would blink an eye or expect it. They could even go willingly, no questions asked."

The followings days were tense, with the challenge coming up, and the missing wolves, which was kept quite due to the mole situation. Selene believed Maximus, that the message was intended to reach her, she trusted his judgement. Still, she couldn't think of a reason for these threats directed to her. She has always lived in peace, there was no one she could think of that could portray a threat to her, at least not from her own doing.

Feeling helpless, not able to find a solution or a reason for the missing wolves, she decided to visit her old home. Maximus was displeased at this, but he knew she needed a little time alone. There have been a lot of changes happening to her life and it could be overwhelming. He kissed her and told her to be careful, safe, and return as soon as possible to him. Maximus walked with her to the border with the Bloodwood forest, a little agitated at her leave.

„Don't worry, I'll be fine. I've lived all my life in the forest, nothing can happen." She tried to give him a little confidence.

„Ok, moon, but please be careful. You don't know if anything changed since you left."

„Of course, I'm always careful" She let go of his hand and whispered to the trees. They parted for her, showing a path. „I'll be back until nightfall." And then she dissapeared through the oaks, not a trace of her in sight.